The US Gold Card VISA, How To Get It — Everything You Should Know
Have you ever dreamed of living in the United States? Moving to America feels like a faraway goal for many people because the process is long and complicated. But now, there’s a new way for wealthy individuals to make that dream come true—the US Gold Card. On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced this exciting program, calling it a fast track for rich people to live and work in the US. However, it comes with a big price, $5 million —US Gold Card Program $5 million.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the US Gold Card. What is it? How can you get it? What are the benefits and challenges?
What Is the US Gold Card?
The US Gold Card is a new residency permit that lets wealthy people from any country live and work in the United States. Its something like a golden key that opens the door to America—but it’s a key only the richest can buy.
Unlike other ways to move to the US, this program doesn’t ask you to start a business or create jobs. Instead, you pay $5 million directly to the US government. In return, you get the same rights as someone with a green card, which means you can live anywhere in the US, work any job, and even apply to become a US citizen later.
This program is replacing the EB-5 visa program, which started in 1990. The EB-5 program also helped wealthy people move to the US, but it was different. With EB-5, you had to invest money—usually $1 million or more—into a US business and create at least 10 jobs for American workers. It was a complicated process, and it could take years.
The US Gold Card is more straightforward and faster but costs a lot more. President Trump has said it’s a way to bring in “the best and the brightest—and the richest” to make America stronger.
So, in short, the US Gold Card is a new option for wealthy people who want to live in the US without the hassle of other visa programs. But why is it causing so much talk? We’ll explore that later. First, let’s look at how you can get it.
How to Get the US Gold Card
Getting a US Gold Card is not hard if you have a lot of money. The process is designed to be quick and easy compared to other ways of moving to America. Here’s what you need to do:
- Have Enough Money: You must have at least $5 million ready to pay. This is the fee to join the program.
- No Criminal Problems: You can’t have a serious criminal record. The US government will check your background to ensure you’re safe to let in.
- Pay the Fee: Send the $5 million to the US government. Unlike the EB-5 program, you don’t need to invest it anywhere—it goes straight to them.
- Apply and Wait: Submit your application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They’ll review it, and if everything looks good, you’ll get your US Gold Card.
The government says this process will be fast. With other visa programs, like EB-5, people sometimes wait years to get approved. The US Gold Card is supposed to take much less time, though exact details about how long haven’t been shared yet.
You’ll probably need to show proof of your money—like bank statements or property records—and pass a background check. If approved, you can start your new life in America immediately. It sounds simple, but it’s only for people who can afford the huge fee.
Benefits of the US Gold Card
Why would someone pay $5 million for the US Gold Card? Because it comes with some big advantages. Here’s what you get:
- Live and Work Anywhere in the US: You can settle in New York, California, or Texas—anywhere you want. You’re free to take any job or start a business.
- A Chance to Become a Citizen: After living in the US for some time (not yet specified), you can apply to become a full US citizen.
- Special Tax Rules: You don’t have to pay US taxes on money you earn outside the country. For example, if you own a company in Brazil or Japan, you keep all that income tax-free in the US. But any money you make inside the US—like from a job or property—will be taxed normally.
- Bring Your Family: Your husband or wife and unmarried kids under 21 can accompany you. They’ll get the same residency rights.
These benefits make the US Gold Card very appealing to rich people who want freedom and flexibility in America. Imagine a millionaire from China who owns factories around the world. With this card, they could live in Los Angeles, enjoy their foreign earnings without US taxes, and bring their family along—all without the stress of starting a new business to get in.
How Does It Compare to the EB-5 Program?
To better understand the US Gold Card, let’s compare it to the EB-5 program it’s replacing. The two programs are similar because they both help wealthy people move to the US, but they work in very different ways. Here’s a clear look at the differences:
- Cost: The EB-5 program asks for an investment of at least $1.05 million (or $800,000 in certain areas), while the US Gold Card costs a flat $5 million.
- What You Have to Do: With EB-5, you must put your money into a US business and create 10 full-time jobs. The US Gold Card only requires you to pay the government—no business or jobs needed.
- Speed: EB-5 can take years because the government checks your investment and job creation. The US Gold Card promises a much faster process.
- Taxes: EB-5 holders follow standard US tax rules, meaning they might pay taxes on all their income, even from outside the US. US Gold Card holders get a break—they only pay taxes on US-earned money.
In simple terms, the US Gold Card is more expensive but easier. You don’t have to deal with the headaches of running a business or proving you created jobs. However, some people think it’s unfair. They say the EB-5 program at least helped the US economy by creating work, while the US Gold Card takes money from the rich without giving much back. What do you think?
Why Is the US Gold Card Causing Debate?
The US Gold Card sounds great for wealthy people, but not everyone likes it. Since it was announced, people have been arguing about whether it’s a good idea. Here are the biggest reasons why it’s controversial:
Is It Legal?
The EB-5 program was made by the US Congress, which means it’s an official law. However, the US Gold Card was created by President Trump without Congress agreeing to it yet. Some experts wonder if he has the power to do this on his own. If Congress doesn’t like it, they could try to stop or change the program. It’s moving forward for now, but the legal questions might cause problems later.
Is It Fair?
Many people say the US Gold Card isn’t fair. They argue that it lets rich people “buy” their way into America while others—like workers, students, or refugees—wait years for a chance.
One critic said, “This is a program for billionaires, not regular people.” They worry it creates two systems: one for the wealthy and one for everyone else.
Could It Be Risky?
There’s also worry about who might get the card. President Trump has hinted that even Russian billionaires could apply. What if someone with a shady past—like ties to crime or a rival government—slips through? The background checks are supposed to stop this, but some fear $5 million could tempt the government to overlook red flags.
What About the Economy?
The US Gold Card could bring in billions of dollars. If just 1,000 people apply, that’s $5 billion for the government! But some wonder where that money will go. Will it help schools and roads, or sit in a bank? Plus, if many rich people move to places like Miami or San Francisco, housing prices might increase, making it harder for regular Americans to live there.
These debates show that the US Gold Card isn’t just about immigration—it’s about money, fairness, and America’s future.
Will the US Gold Card Affect America?
The US Gold Card could change the country in big ways. Let’s look at some possibilities:
More Money for the Government
If lots of wealthy people buy the card, the US could make a huge amount of cash. President Trump has even said “millions” might apply, which could mean trillions of dollars over time. That money could pay off debts or fund projects like new highways. But we don’t know yet how the government plans to use it.
A Stronger Economy
Rich newcomers could boost the economy. They might buy big houses, fancy cars, or start companies. For example, a tech millionaire from India could open a new office in Texas, creating jobs for Americans. Over 10 million millionaires live worldwide, according to some estimates. If even a small number move to the US, it could mean more growth.
A New Kind of Immigration
Traditionally, the US gave residency to people with family here or special skills—like doctors or engineers. The US Gold Card changes that by focusing on wealth. If it works, future programs might also prioritize money over other things. This could upset people waiting for green cards based on their talents or relationships.
For everyday Americans, the impact might be mixed. Jobs could increase, but so could living costs in some areas. It’s a big experiment, and no one’s sure how it’ll turn out.
Who Can Get the US Gold Card?
The US Gold Card is for wealthy people from anywhere in the world. There’s no limit on which countries can apply, but you must meet two main rules:
- Have $5 Million: You need to show you’ve got the money to pay the fee.
- Be a Good Person: You can’t have a serious criminal history. The US will check your past to ensure you’re not dangerous.
That’s it! Whether you’re from Brazil, Russia, Japan, or anywhere else, you’re eligible if you’ve got the cash and a clean record.
What About Taxes?
Taxes are a big part of why people might want the US Gold Card. Here’s how it works:
- No Tax on Foreign Money: If you earn income outside the US—like from a business in Germany—you don’t pay US taxes on it.
- Tax on US Money: If you make money inside the US—like from a job or renting out a house—you pay taxes like any other resident.
This is a huge perk for rich people with businesses or investments worldwide. For example, a millionaire from Saudi Arabia could keep earning oil profits tax-free in the US as long as the money comes from abroad. It’s one of the program’s biggest selling points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the US Gold Card:
Q1. Can I bring my family?
Ans- Yes! Your spouse and kids under 21 can come with you and get residency too.
Q2. Is the $5 million refundable if I’m denied?
Ans- Probably not. The government hasn’t said for sure, but don’t count on getting it back.
Q3. Do I have to live in the US all the time?
Ans- No, but you’ll need to spend enough time in the US to keep your residency—like with a green card. The exact rules aren’t clear yet.
Q4. How long does it take to get approved?
Ans- The process is supposed to be fast, but no specific timeline has been shared.
Q5. Can anyone with $5 million apply?
Ans- Yes, as long as you pass the background check, your nationality doesn’t matter.
We’ll update this as more details come out!
What’s Next for the US Gold Card?
The program is set to start by the end of March 2025, with applications opening soon after. But there are still some unknowns:
- Will It Face Legal Trouble? Congress might fight it if they think President Trump overstepped his power.
- Will Other Countries Care? If lots of rich people from places like China or Russia move to the US, it could affect global politics.
- Will It Work? The program’s success depends on how many people apply and how the money gets used.
It’s a bold idea, and we’ll be watching to see what happens next.
Wrapping up
The US Gold Card is an exciting and controversial new way to move to America. For $5 million, it offers wealthy people a fast path to residency, citizenship, and special tax breaks. It’s simpler than the old EB-5 program but raises big questions about fairness, safety, and the economy. Will it bring in billions and boost the country, or will it create more problems than it solves?
What do you think? Is the US Gold Card a smart move or a step too far? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you! Stay tuned for updates as this program unfolds.
